Mesothelioma and asbestos legal
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos attorney on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness.
This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a false diagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos case (read) and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos compensation may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos attorney on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness.
This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a false diagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos case (read) and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos compensation may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.